Abstract
BACKGROUND: Milk banks in Australia rely on the generosity of voluntary donors, enabling them to provide pasteurised donor human milk to vulnerable infants in hospitals. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of donating to a milk bank amongst breastfeeding women who are milk donors, or potentially eligible to donate milk. Having a deeper understanding of the barriers and facilitators for donating to a milk bank will promote sustainability of these services. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data from 31 participants, either donating, or potentially eligible to donate, to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s (Lifeblood) milk bank. Participants were interviewed between May and September 2024 regarding their experiences and perceptions of donation to a milk bank. Interview data were analysed using inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Five themes were identified: Knowing about milk donation; being motivated to donate; being (in)eligible to donate; donating needs to be easy and convenient; and trusting a regulated organisation. Many participants initially lacked awareness about milk donation and often learned through online searches or informal sources like social media. They were motivated by a desire to help, a sense of social responsibility, and not wanting to waste milk. Eligibility was influenced by health, lifestyle, and milk supply. Sickness at home was a major source of disruption to collection of milk for donation. Convenience, such as home collection and provision of milk storage bags, facilitated milk donation. Trust in Lifeblood as a regulated organisation played a key role, with many valuing its reputation and safeguards for both donors and recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding women in Australia may be unaware that they can donate their excess milk to a milk bank. Consideration should be given to increasing awareness of milk donation in Australia amongst both breastfeeding women and healthcare workers caring for women who could become milk donors. Further, to improve the recruitment and retention of milk donors, milk banks should prioritise the ease and accessibility of the service to ensure positive donor experiences. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-025-00782-w.